Abstract

The phase stability and magnetic properties of the half-metal-type alloy system were investigated. It was found that the occurrence of two-phase separation is unavoidable in a concentration range of less than , leading to deviation of the saturationmagnetic moments from the generalized Slater–Pauling line. The -type phase becomes stable in a concentration range of more than , where no half-metallic behaviors are present. Consequently, it is concluded that the most favorable concentration for applications to spintronic devices is located around in alloys having the -type phase.

The authors are very grateful to Professor K. Inomata, Professor M. Shirai of Tohoku University, and Dr. K. Ishikawa of Kitami Institute of Technology for many helpful discussions. R.Y.U. was supported by Research Fellowships of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for Young Scientists.